97. Evening Round Bales

'Evening Round Bales'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Another scene from rural Minnesota in the summer. 

This trip home will always be one of my favorites - right near the end of it, my now-husband and I became a 'thing'. :)

That was nearly ten years ago, and, last week, we celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary. Love that guy. :)

Anyway, back to the painting. I'm a bit surprised that I haven't painted round bales before, what with my obsession and all. I'm sure I have dozens of photos of them, and fond memories of running across the tops when they're all lined up in their tidy rows. We always called this kind 'big round bales' because we had a neighbor that made 'little round bales'. I haven't seen the smaller version since I was a kid, -- they sure were cute.

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96. Heading Home

'Heading Home'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Ah, August in rural Minnesota. :)

Even though we all know summer doesn't officially start in the northwest until the 4th of July, some years the wait seems longer than others. 

So, in order to beat another rainy, gray day, I thought I'd paint myself a little sunshine. 

This is a photo my sister took a few summers ago in Minnesota - it transports me back there in ways I can't quite explain. 

The memories it evokes are unending; even the marks on the tar road make me homesick. (My husband gets a good laugh out of that one -- apparently the proper term is 'paved road'.) The hay rack, the fields, the telephone poles, the gentle hills...buzzing insects, humidity -- yeah, well, nobody's perfect. ;)  

Anyway, miss you, Minnesota, and hurry up and get here, sunshine. :)

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95. Banner and Horn

'Banner and Horn'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Yay, the weekend is here.

Enjoy. :)

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94. Star and Stripes

'Star and Stripes'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Same pinwheel, with the addition of a vintage flag.

I did a little painting of another sort with my boys this afternoon.

I have fond memories of finger painting when I was their age - great fun!

(I'm 'noraellen23' on instagram)

93. Pinwheel

'Pinwheel'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Red, white and blue all over my palette this week;

 hope you're feeling as patriotic as I am. :)

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92. Back Porch Evening

'Back Porch Evening'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

This is the back view of the Historic Borst Home in Centralia, WA. 

Its front side is beautiful and a little fancier, but I just love the simple architecture of the back porch. 

The long shadows and warm light of evening seal the deal. 

I want to go to there. :)

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91. Snapdragon a Day

'Snapdragon a Day'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Ok, I'm head over heels for this one. 

It helps that the last several attempts were complete duds. :)

I enjoyed it from start to finish, and, I'm so glad I planted these gorgeous dwarf snapdragons this year. I just love how they look against the bright blue of my 5-year-old's favorite Angry Birds t-shirt. ;)

In other news, school's out for summer! Whee! We made it.

Bring on the sun and swimming lessons.

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90. Doors

'Doors'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Wooden shop doors on a sunny day in Astoria, Oregon. :)

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You may have noticed that my painting has really dropped off in the past few months, and I guess I'd like to share what's what. Forgive me if this is TMI for a painting blog, just let me get it out there once and for all, and then I'll get back to the paintings. :) 

In early March, we learned that I was pregnant, and I spent most of my free time hanging out on my couch with afternoon/evening sickness. In mid-April, a first trimester ultrasound showed some abnormalities, and further testing revealed a severe heart defect and Down syndrome. The specialists were very concerned, and, sadly, in mid-May, another ultrasound showed that our tiny little boy no longer had a heartbeat. (Sixteen weeks gestation.) 

Needless to say, we've experienced nearly every emotion possible in the past few months, but, through it all, we've been so blessed and overwhelmed by the love and prayers of the friends and family that God has given us. 

We are humbled and grateful. 

In late May, I turned forty. (Um, what? Ok, still in denial, a bit.) As surreal as that seems, it's another reminder to stop and be thankful; to hug my three busy boys (7, 5, and 2) and my fantastic husband a little more often; and to appreciate once again that no matter how hard things are, one doesn't have to look far to find another with a greater struggle. I've gained a little empathy, a little compassion, and hopefully, I'll be able to give a little more to others as we were so blessed to receive.

Even though it's not the most important part of my life, painting is a big part of who I am, and I have missed it terribly. I'm so looking forward to getting back up to a few a week if I can ever remember how. ;) It's challenging and therapeutic (mostly), and when I'm not busy caring for my family, I'll be tucked into my corner, pushing around some paint.

Thanks for indulging me the sharing of this very personal information - it's better for me to just have everything out there -- and thanks for following my work.

 I hope I have many more paintings to share with you this summer. :)